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Paris

Location: Paris, France
Program options: fall semester, spring semester, or academic year
Language of instruction: French

The Tufts-in-Paris program offers a combination of Tufts in-house courses taught by French professors and courses in French institutions of higher education in Paris, notably the University of Paris III (Sorbonne Nouvelle), University of Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne), University of Paris VII (Paris Diderot), and the Institut Catholique. All four are located on the Left Bank within easy distance of the program office situated in the historic Montparnasse area. Courses are available in French and comparative literature, political science, economics, history, cinema and theater studies, communications, art history, philosophy, religion, psychology, European studies, and international relations. Qualified students may also apply for the full-year certificate program in Social Sciences and Humanities at the prestigious Sciences Po Paris (in which case they would take the entirety of their coursework at Sciences Po). Students of Fine Art may undertake a spring semester (only) of studio-based study at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA). All courses are taught in French.

Full-year students have the opportunity to be part-time interns for two months in the spring semester. Placements are varied and include small French companies, art galleries, and NGOs. Volunteer activities are also possible for both semester and full-year students. Full-year students take the TCF (test de connaissance du français), which is recognized worldwide as validation of their level of French; test results are valid for two years.

While Tufts in Paris is designed as a full-year program, a semester option (either fall or spring) allows students to enroll in at least two in-house courses, including a mandatory French language course equivalent to French 121/122, and two courses at the aforementioned French institutions. Note: French institutions may limit enrollments, and priority may be given to students either enrolling for the full year or taking a course toward their major. Students wishing to enroll at Sciences Po may only do so for the full year.

Program Staff

Resident Director: Jeanne Fourneyron, Licence d'Histoire, University of Paris I Sorbonne; D.E.A., French Literature, University of Paris 7; Ph.D., French Literature, Emory University.

Prerequisites

Well-prepared undergraduates (normally juniors, but occasionally some seniors) who meet the general eligibility requirements and have a demonstrated interest in France and French-speaking cultures and have completed French 21 and 22 (Composition and Conversation) or the equivalent to six semesters of college-level French may apply to the program. At least one third-year level course, such as French 31 or 32 (Masterpieces of French Literature) or French 121 or 122, is highly recommended. A grade point average of 3.0 in all French courses is required. Regardless of language level or previous instruction, students are strongly advised to take a course in French language or literature in the semester preceding the semester or year in Paris. Majors from the following departments have participated in the program in recent years: art history, economics, English, French, history, international relations, political science, psychology, and sociology. All majors are encouraged to apply, but preference will be given to students with solid French language skills and a strong commitment to the cultural, academic, and linguistic goals of the program. Sciences Po Paris: All students applying to Sciences Po Paris must do so for the full year and pass a preliminary test administered on the Tufts campus in the spring semester. A cumulative GPA of 3.5 is recommended for application. Sciences Po makes the final decision with regard to admission. ENSBA: Applicants must meet all general eligibility requirements, but need only have completed through French 2.

Fees

2019-20
$36,832 for a semester, $73,664 for the academic year includes:

Orientation program.

Three program courses in the fall and four in the spring, as described under "Academics."

Full tuition and fees to a take a range of courses at University of Paris I, Paris III, Paris VII, l'Institut Catholique, Sciences Po Paris, or ENSBA.

Room, breakfast, and five dinners per week with a French homestay (winter and spring vacations excluded).

Lunch allowance (winter and spring vacations excluded).

Transportation passes.

A weekend group excursion and day trips each semester.

Cultural events in Paris including theater, concerts, dance, and opera.